A trip to Santa Barbara will not be complete without a visit to the Santa Barbara Winery, the oldest in the County, which was founded by Pierre Lafond in 1962. This side of California is where great wines known all over the world comes from. There are about a hundred wineries in Santa Barbara County today, each producing great quality wines that are truly world class, but Lafond’s was the first ever established and is therefore the pioneering winery. (more…)
Santa Barbara Winery
November 29, 2010 at 1:25 am | No comment
Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay is a wonderful place to experience. A day inside the aquarium is packed with science experiments, special events, forums and presentations plus one-of-a-kind personal encounters with all sorts of animals.
There are many animals that visitors young and old can enjoy. Some creatures that can be found here include the California King Snake, the Pacific Tree Frog, the Western Pond Turtle, and the Western Toad, the Banana Slug, African Pygmy Hedgehog and the blue-tongued skink. Other animals included in the tour are chinchillas, the pink-toed tarantula and the cherry-head red-foot tortoise. The aquarium is also a home to over 50 kinds of sharks, different kinds of fish, jellyfish and other sea creatures. Aside from these diverse animal species, tourists can also join different talks regarding environmental issues such as climate change, the Greenhouse Effect, and of course several conferences on how to conserve the Earth and its inhabitants.
This tourist destination situated along Beach St. and Embarcadero St. is further divided into three sections: Discover the Bay, Under the Bay and Touch the Bay. Tourists can check out daily schedules online so they can plan their visit ahead of time.
San Francisco Famous Landmarks
November 29, 2010 at 1:10 am | No comment
Zellerbach Auditorium
The Zellerbach Auditorium is the main recital venue of the Cal Performances, one of the major performing arts organizations of the University of California, Berkeley. (more…)
November 29, 2010 at 12:49 am | No comment
Tempe
While most Arizona cities are largely defined by their outdoor recreational activities showcasing the beauty of the Arizona landscape, the city of Tempe is a little bit different—not that there’s a shortage of it here—with the Papago Park located to the north and the South Mountain Park in the south. But if you’re looking for something different, a touch of excitement and a dash of culture and arts, then Tempe is just the place to check.
Located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe is the proud home of the Arizona State University. With so much youthful energy bursting in the area, it’s not a surprise that Tempe plays host to a lot of sporting events all year round such as the Arizona State University Athletics, Angels spring training, the Ford Ironman Arizona, and the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon. There are also a number of golf courses for those who prefer a more laid back recreational sport.
Aside from sports, Tempe is teeming with culture and arts complexes, upscale malls, and various other entertainment hubs. You can catch Broadway shows at the ASU Grammage, another famous work by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and other family-friendly performances at Tempe Town Lake’s Tempe Center for the Arts. There are also over 20 free museums and galleries that are open to the public like the ASU Art Museum in Arizona State University.
Be sure to stop by some of Tempe’s shopping destinations like the Mills Avenue District, Arizona Mills, and the Tempe Marketplace if you’re in the mood for more family friendly entertainment, shopping, and a taste of some of Tempe’s best restaurants.
Other Tempe attractions include annual cultural festivals like the Circle K Tempe Music Festival, the Tempe Festival of the Arts, and the New Year’s Eve Block Party among so many others.
November 28, 2010 at 9:37 pm | No comment
Sedona
Like a lightning bolt, inspiration can strike you just about anywhere. Most artists, however, can tell you that finding inspiration, even just one inspiring thing, can be challenging in itself. Urbanization has drastically altered and transformed the natural landscapes that used to inspire generations of artists. But in the picturesque city of Sedona, Arizona, with its distinctly crimson hued desert landscape surrounded by the lush green forests of Oak Creek Canyon and dotted with magnificent red rock formations collectively known as the “Red Rocks of Sedona”, there’s no shortage of inspiring natural scenery.
Numerous filmmakers, artists, and songwriters can attest to the allure of Sedona’s rugged beauty. Some of them even decided to move to Sedona, contributing greatly to the growth of the arts and culture of the area. Several events and festivals, like the Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival, and Creekside Serenade among others, are annually hosted by Sedona to showcase both traditional and contemporary artworks of its artists.
There are some who believe that the “pull” artists feel towards the region of Sedona is largely due to areas called vortexes where the psychic energy of a place is highly concentrated. Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Table Top Mountain, and Boynton Canyon are the four main sites where Sedona vortexes are said to be located. To this day there are even some Native American tribes who make their way to these locations because of its sacred history.
Enjoy the sunny weather and explore the beauty of Sedona various natural attractions from its hidden canyons to the popular hiking trails. One of the best things about Sedona is that you can even explore the Sedona scenery just by driving around town. Other outdoor activities visitors can take part of include camping and fishing in the state parks, horseback riding, mountain biking, and even golfing and tennis.
November 28, 2010 at 9:37 pm | No comment
AT&T Park
Experience the fun-filled baseball games during the Major League Baseball season by visiting the San Francisco’s AT&T Baseball Stadium. You will be among the baseball enthusiasts that support the San Francisco Giants.
This is an open-air baseball stadium that opened in 2000 under the name Pacific Bell Park. It is located in Willie Mays Plaza in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This stadium underwent many name changes in a span of 6 years since its establishment. This is due to the fact that the Pacific Bell company was acquired by the SBC in 2003, and was merged with AT&T in 2006. This stadium is also the only baseball park that was built without public funds after the establishment of Dodger Stadium in 1962. The AT&T stadium has witnessed many historic events related to baseball. Barry Bonds, a veteran outfielder of San Francisco Giants, achieved his 500th home run in 2001, 600th home run in 2002, 700th home run in 2004, and 756th home run in 2007.
Aside from the baseball field, there is also a Coca-Cola Fan Lot that has a famous 80-foot Coca-Cola bottle with playground slides that never fail to get the kids’ attention. There is a miniature AT&T Baseball Park behind the left field where the kids can play and enjoy the sport. Another remarkable attraction in this baseball park is the 9-foot statue of Willie Mays, arguably America’s greatest ballplayer, at the entrance of the park. There are also other statues dedicated to other Giants players like McCovey, Marichal, and Cepeda. The stadium k has 68 luxury suites, 5,200 club level seats, and 1,500 field level seats. The park had a seating capacity of 40,800 when it opened in 2000, and the seats eventually increased to over 41,000 in number.
San Francisco Famous Landmarks
November 28, 2010 at 4:45 pm | No comment
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
If you want a nice panoramic view of Oahu Island from above, then the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is the best place to go. The word “pali” means windward cliff in the Hawaiian language and the lookout is part of one in Ko’olau mountain situated right at the head of the Nu’uanu Valley on the beautiful Island of Oahu. (more…)
November 28, 2010 at 2:10 am | 1 comment
Old Mission Santa Barbara
The fast-moving and demanding life we live in today obstructs our spiritual being and more often than not makes us forget that life is about being happy and is about living it with others. That is why it is important for people to once in a while revisit their spiritual side and rejuvenate their inner selves so that they will be complete and satisfied once they return to their normal lives. You can, by experiencing the Old Mission in Santa Barbara. Located in California, Santa Barbara County has the longest coast line in the West Coast of the United States. (more…)
November 28, 2010 at 1:25 am | No comment
New York State Capitol
There are 62 cities in New York state. Of those 62 cities, which do you think is the state Capitol of the Big Apple? If you answered “New York City,” then you’d be surprised to know that you are dead wrong. The namesake city isn’t the Capitol of the so-called Empire State. (more…)
November 27, 2010 at 5:50 pm | No comment
Brooklyn Historical Society
For travel buffs who are also fascinated with history, academics, and relics, the Brooklyn Historical Society is the place to go. New York may seem to be just another shopping capital, but in the less crowded parts of the city, there exist quite a number of great places that would surely feed your need for history and knowledge. There are only a few places in the world that could boast that they are a museum, a library, and an educational center all in one. And the Brooklyn Historical Society is among them. (more…)
November 27, 2010 at 3:59 pm | No comment
Juneau
In 1880, two prospectors by the names of Joe Juneau and Richard Harris went on an expedition to hunt for gold-bearing ore by the Gastineau Channel in the Alaskan panhandle. Guided by a local chief from the Tlingit tribe named Chief Kowee, the men were told to seek their gold deposits along the mouth of Gold Creek, Snow Slide Gulch. The men set up camp in a 160-acre site and proceeded with their search. It didn’t take long for them to discover the gold that would spark the first Alaska Gold Rush and begin the illustrious history of Juneau.
As the state’s capital, Juneau is a thriving city with up-to-date modern amenities; however, many of its residents maintain the small-town ambience that has continuously charmed tourists and visitors since the 1900s. Juneau continues to be one of the busiest towns in the state of Alaska, with its combination of unique history and breathtaking scenery of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and forests attracting numerous tourists and visitors every year. Many of the tourists come to town during the summer months due to the cool to mild climate. Contrary to what many may think winter temperatures in Juneau are considerably lower compared to other states.
Juneau has something to offer everybody. Whether you’re the outdoorsy type, a foodie, sportsman, nature lover, art and history buff, a shopaholic, or all of the above, rest assured that Juneau has it. Popular Juneau attractions include the Medenhall Glacier, the largest glacier around and conveniently located near the airport; Perseverance Theatre, the only professional theater in the state; up close and personal tours with some of the wildlife living in Juneau’s forests and seas; the downtown totem poles crafted by the Southeast Native societies that originally inhabited the area; and numerous shops that sell Native artworks.
November 27, 2010 at 3:36 pm | No comment
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara
Photo by: El Presidio de Santa Bárbaraona
Sad but true, the history of mankind is filled with conflicts and wars which took millions of lives. Centuries ago, war has been the measure of power and success of any state and country. Now, with the creation of various international organizations aiming to halt any possible war, we are lucky not to experience the pain brought by warfare. Today, museums, books and the internet provide us ways to reminisce the historical events which took place in the past. But what better ways to remember history than to go to a place like El Presidio Historic Park where history actually happened? (more…)
November 27, 2010 at 1:11 pm | No comment
Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona is sort of a mystery.
Scottsdale is currently regarded as one of the premier resort destinations in the Southwest region. On one hand, Scottsdale clearly prides itself as a luxury oasis in the middle of a desert with their array of expensive spas, resorts, golf courses, and hotels. And as night slowly trickles in, the famous Scottsdale party scene starts to emerge. One by one the clubs and bars, especially in the Downtown Scottsdale area, begin to light up their establishments as they prepare for the arrival of some 40,000 people who have been known to troop to the area to party the night away.
On the other hand, Scottsdale isn’t just another destination for people who love to party and the life of luxury. Walk past the clubs and bars of Downtown Scottsdale and you’ll find yourself in the Scottsdale Arts District where “The West’s Most Western Town” proudly showcases their laid back cowboy roots with their “western” themed events and activities, restaurants, stores, and art galleries that are mainly concentrated in the Old Town Scottsdale area.
This unique fusion of two seemingly different worlds makes Scottsdale a special must-see destination.
Despite embracing modernity and urbanization, Scottsdale still maintains much of the natural beauty that even inspired the likes of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to take up residence in the area and build his very own winter retreat house, Taliesin West. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy reveling in the scenery as they go horseback riding, mountain climbing, and kayaking. It also helps that Scottsdale enjoys warm weather conditions that last even until the winter season.
Scottsdale plays host to a variety of cultural events such as the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, the Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol, the Barrett-Jackson Auto Show, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale International Film Festival, and even a Scottsdale Fashion Week!
November 26, 2010 at 9:37 pm | No comment
Richest Men of All Time
When we look at the people who are now household names for one reason or another, do we ask the question, how? Many of these men are people of industry. Some inherited the wealth, others worked towards it. Even by today’s standards, they would be people we would look up to.
Names synonymous with wealth might drive us to envy, nonetheless when we look at the effort it took for them to reach where they are, it should encourage us to work towards the same aspirations. Most of them lived in a time where the world of commerce was changing, and needed change. Here are some of those men.
John D. Rockefeller
Born in Richford, New York on July 8, 1839, John Davison Rockefeller was the second of six children of William A. Rockefeller and Eliza Davison. His greatest influence was his mother Eliza. Young John was behaved properly and seriously attended to his studies without fail. Some of his friends saw him as being earnest, religious, methodical, and reserved. At one time, he had considered music as a profession.
The family moved to Strongsville in 1853, a suburb in Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of sixteen, he worked as an assistant bookkeeper. He had a knack for numbers and accounting. He received fifty cents a day during his first three months. He tithed ten percent to his Baptist church and donated six percent to charity.
He had been quoted as saying, “It was the day that determined my career.” He found himself in the center of post-war prosperity along the expansion to the west made possible by the new railroads and an economy based on fuel.
He is recognized as the first American to have worth more than a billion dollars. He not only set the standard for the petroleum industry, he helped push the envelope in the area of philanthropy. He was faithful in participating in church where he served as clerk, a trustee, taught Sunday school, and janitorial work as needed. He was married in 1864 to Laura Celestia Spelman, with whom he had four daughters and a son.
Adjusted for inflation, John D. Rockefeller’s net worth is reportedly upwards of USD$ 663 billion. To Mr. Rockefeller, his belief in God guided him throughout his career and life, to him; it was the source of his great fortune. He once said, “God gave me money.” which was why he followed an exhortation by John Wesley, “gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.”
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie, business magnate, steel tycoon, and philanthropist. How would you like those words to be part of your resume? This man born in Dunfermline, Scotland has those words that oft follow his name. Born on November 25, 1835, Andrew and his family migrated to the United States when he was just a child. Allegheny, Pennsylvania became home to the Carnegie household.
Young Andrew took on all types of jobs; the first one was as at a bobbin factory, then as a logger, and as a messenger boy. He later he moved up the ranks at a telegraph company. He made investments into the railroad industry, bridge building, and later accumulated more wealth by selling bonds to fund American businesses in Europe. Because Pennsylvania is known as a steel town, he became a co-founder along with other steel companies and created U.S. Steel.
He was generous with his money, he helped build libraries, gave to schools in America and England. Seen as the second richest man, puts his net worth at USD$ 293 billion.
Cornelius Vanderbilt
The patriarch of the Vanderbilt family, Cornelius Vanderbilt gained his wealth through railroad and shipping enterprises and is seen as one of the richest men in American history. Cornelius was born on May 27, 1794 in Staten Island, New York. At the age of 11 he dropped out of school and worked for his father’s ferry along the New York harbor. When he was sixteen years old, he began his own ferry service in which he parlayed into moving freight and people to and from Manhattan and Staten Island.
He soon became a steamboat entrepreneur servicing businesses in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia in collaboration with other people or on his own. He later started a steamship line that serviced ports in South America. This love for the boats earned him the nickname of “Commodore”.
The Vanderbilt Empire was built on the commercial transportation industry, which was why he added the railroads as part of that empire. His worth at the time of his death was at USD$ 167 billion.
William Henry Vanderbilt
Inheriting wealth isn’t so bad either. William Vanderbilt’s father, Cornelius Vanderbilt, was known as a railroad and shipping mogul at the time and when he did in 1877, was known as the richest man in the world.
William was born 1821 in New Brunswick, New York. He received early training in business through the help of his father. He worked as a clerk at the age of 19 for a New York bank. He later served for as an executive for several Railway companies. He also helped grow the railroad business for the family. When he retired in 1883, his older sons were given top positions in the railroad empire.
He and his wife, Maria Louisa Kissam, had eight children. William was known as an active philanthropist and an art enthusiast. His worth at the time of his death was USD$231 billion.
John Jacob Astor
John Jacob Astor made his fortune through real estate, fur trading, and opium. He was born on July 17, 1763 in Waldorf, Germany. He arrived in the United States at the end of the revolutionary war in 1784.
He opened a fur goods shop in the late 1780s in New York City. After the fur trade business, he got involved with real estate in New York City. At the time of his death in 1848, his net worth of USD$20 million dollars (today is worth 116 billion) made him the first multi-millionaire in the USA.
Henry Ford
Who doesn’t know the name Ford? Henry Ford developed the concept of using an assembly line to achieve mass production. Born on a farm near Detroit, Michigan, Henry was born on July 30, 1863.
Using $28,000 dollars as capital, the Ford Motor Company was born in 1903. Among Henry Ford’s accomplishments; he introduced in 1914 the “wage motive”, giving five dollars per day to workers (equivalent to $111.00 per day in today’s economy) at his plant, introduced the Model T in 1908. The Ford legacy continues, today, Ford has a net worth of USD$ 188 billion.
Marcus Licinius Crassus
Reaching back through the sands of time, you have Marcus Licinius Crassus. His fame is not only being recognized as one of the richest men of all time, but he is also a Roman general and a politician. As general he defeated slaves, led by Spartacus, in a revolt.
This is one instance wherein someone profited from the woes of others. The man was ruthless. You might say he was in the real estate business. He bought homes and other types of property from victims of his boss Sulla’s plunder of Rome for almost nothing. Seen as the richest Roman in today’s value is worth USD$ 169 billion.
Basil II
Basil II or Basil the Bulgarslayer) had been a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 976 to 1025 AD. As emperor of the Macedonian dynasty, he represented the height of the Middle Byzantine Empire. He increased the territories of the empire by the annexation of Bulgaria. This made the empire one of the largest and strongest in five centuries.
In today’s equivalent, Basil II was worth USD$ 169 billion. Because he did not have children, within one hundred years, the Byzantine Empire did not survive.
Frederich Weyerhäuser
Frederich Weyerhäuser emigrated to the United States of America at the age of eighteen from Germany. He was born on November 21, 1834 in Nieder-Saulheim, Rheinhessen. He worked at a sawmill in Rock Island, Illinois. He is recognized as a timber tycoon and founded the Weyerhäuser Company.
His net worth reached, in today’s equivalent, which would be $77 billion dollars. He bought 900,000 acres in 1900 of prime Pacific Northwest timberland. The company continues to be the biggest seller of timber.
Alain Rufus
A name from across the Atlantic is Alan Rufus; some said was a companion of William the Conqueror during the Norman invasion of Britain. For his participation and allegiance to the realm, he received 250,000 acres worth of land.
The property he received included the areas of Yorkshire, Norfolk, Northhamptonshire, London, and Suffolk. When he died in 1093, all that property was worth 11,000 British pounds, which in today’s equivalent is 81 billion pounds (163 billion US dollars).
November 26, 2010 at 7:42 pm | 16 comments
Homer
If Ketchikan is regarded as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” then the honor of “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” goes to this quaint seaside community called Homer. With a spectacular view that overlooks the majestic Kenai Mountains and the rich crystal clear waters of Kachemak Bay, Homer is one of the best places to do sport fishing in the state of Alaska.
Homer first started out as a camp for native tribal societies like the early Alutiq who travelled from their villages on the other side of Kachemak Bay. When homesteaders and coal miners took over the area in the 1800s, the area was eventually developed into a “company town” until the 1900s when commercial harvesting and fish processing became the driving forces of the local economy. These two industries were responsible for helping the community grow and eventually become an economic hub in the Southern Kenai Peninsula area. To this day, fishing is still a strong industry in the area along with the promising tourism industry.
Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to have a grand time in Homer. There are all kinds of outdoor activities for the adventurer at heart. You don’t need to sign up with a guided tour of sorts to see the wildlife living in Homer—even driving along the back roads of the town or simply riding the many boats in the harbor can give you an up close and personal encounter with the wildlife.
There’s also the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival where you’ll be able to witness the numerous migrating shorebirds on Kachemak Bay as they prepare for their journey to the north. During this 4 day celebration a variety of workshops, art fairs, talks, and observation stations are set up for the visitors and experts who drop by.
A trip to Homer isn’t complete without going across Kachemak Bay. You have the option of going on a trip to Kachemak Bay State Park where you can further enjoy the great outdoors; seeing “The City of Secluded Charm” Seldovia and its enjoyable activities like berry picking, mountain biking, and many more; or visiting Halibut Cove to see an actual village with streets paved with water.
November 26, 2010 at 3:36 pm | 1 comment
Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Getting exposed to nature has been widely considered as a form of therapy against stress and anxiety. Nature brings silence and serenity which cannot be provided by bars and casinos in the city. Many people resort to raising plants on their backyards and gardens to serve as relaxation after a stressful day of work. But preparing your very own botanical garden can be expensive and time consuming. (more…)
November 26, 2010 at 1:25 am | No comment
Disney California Adventure Park
Neighboring Disneyland Park is the California Adventure, which adds another exciting voyage for Disneyland enthusiasts. Opened in February 8, 2001, Disney has yet again, captured the attention of millions of both local and international guests. The theme park was created to commemorate and give homage to the state of California, which is why each area in the park was reminiscent of the different famous landmarks in the state. (more…)
November 25, 2010 at 6:13 pm | No comment
New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn
If you happen to find yourself in New York City one of these days, one of the places that you must definitely see and visit is the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn. Although many would prefer shopping malls to museums, the Transit Museum would definitely make you experience a different kind of thrill with its offer of taking you on a trip through the pages of history. With the endless relics, memorabilia, and other age-old memories of trans, railways, and tracks, you will surely be transported to a different history that the books have yet to explore. (more…)
November 25, 2010 at 3:59 pm | No comment
Deadhorse
If your idea of an adventure is having guided tours in the wilderness, seeing the local’s popular attractions, and then coming back to fine dining and comfortable beds in your luxury hotel, then you might have to think twice about visiting the town of Deadhorse, because it is definitely not for the visitor who’s looking for a luxurious vacation.
Located along the North Slope of Alaska’s North Slope Borough, the community of Deadhorse is just beside the Arctic Ocean. Deadhorse is where workers from the nearby oil fields in Prudhoe Bay reside. It’s not quite visitor-friendly due to its limited number of accommodations and limited access as well: you can only get to Deadhorse by either taking the Dalton Highway coming from Fairbanks or through the Deadhorse Airport.
There are numerous theories as to the town’s intriguing name. The most popular one claims that Deadhorse came from a trucking company that operated in the area during the 1970s; however, residents are not quite sure where the company got its name.
Traveling to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay usually takes up to two days, with an overnight stopover in Coldfoot. While not exactly one the glamorous towns in Alaska, wildlife enthusiasts can still enjoy the area because of the indigenous wildlife residing in the area like grizzly bears, arctic hares, arctic fox, polar bears, arctic ground squirrels, and many more. Guided tours of the oil fields are also available and are actually the only way you can access the fields.
Other noteworthy experiences in the town of Deadhorse include the phenomenon of the midnight sun on summer when the sun remains continuously visible for 24 hours and the polar night phenomenon in the winter where night lasts longer than 24 hours.
Another reason to go to Deadhorse is to see the Arctic Ocean firsthand. Summer is the only time when visitors can access it and even take a dip in its icy waters if they’re brave enough to join the exclusive Arctic Ocean Polar Bear Club.
November 25, 2010 at 3:36 pm | 1 comment
Tallest Roller Coasters in the World
A popular ride in amusement parks around the world is the roller coaster. They have been around for the more than 500 years. Though nothing like what we see today in most parks, the history of the roller coaster is fascinating. Known in many languages as “Russian mountains”, the oldest is believed to have been built near St. Petersburg, Russia sometime in the 15th Century.
All types of roller coasters have been built throughout the centuries that allow people the thrill of a rush of speed, and a helpless sense of falling at the same time. Here are some of them, these are the tallest:
Kingda Ka
Located in New Jersey, USA, this roller coaster has been labeled as the world’s tallest roller coaster. Found on the grounds of Six Flags Great Adventure, Kingda Ka reaches a height of 456 feet (139m). It was first presented to enthusiasts and the media in September of 2004. It was officially open to the public on May 21, 2005. It uses a hydraulic launch, making the ride faster with a smoother acceleration using electromagnetic and catapult launch engineering.
Named after a golden tabby Bengal tiger, Kingda Ka is themed after Indian mythology. The train pulls 1.6 g’s as it accelerates to a speed of 128 mph in 3.5 seconds, it climbs a tower at a 90 degree angle reaching 456 feet, it then comes down through a 270 degree right hand spiral. It climbs a second hill that gives riders a feeling of momentary weightlessness that leads to a smooth end to the ride with the help of magnetic brakes. Stay alert and enjoy it all, this rides lasts for 28 seconds.
Top Thrill Dragster
Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio is the home of the Top Thrill Dragster (TTD) roller coaster. It is the first of two “strata-coasters”, the second is the Kingda Ka. The peak of the TTD reaches a height of 420 feet. TT2 uses a hydraulic launch, giving riders an adrenaline rush.
The ride begins with two trains simultaneously loaded. Before the ride begins, riders are given a feeling of being on a drag strip; complete with a “Christmas tree” light, along with engines revving, and songs associated with drag racing, thus the theme for the ride. Once it launches, it accelerates to a speed of 120 mph in 3.8 seconds.
The train climbs to a 90 degree incline and twists 90 degrees counter-clockwise as it climbs the 420 foot hill. It comes down twisting 270 degrees and levels off. Like the Kingda Ka, magnetic brakes provide a smooth stop. Don’t blink! The Top Thrill Dragster ride lasts only for 17 seconds.
Tower of Terror II
Dreamworld Amusement Park is in Queensland, Australia. This roller coaster had a makeover and was re-launched in September of 2010, thus the name, Tower of Terror II (TT2). Described as a steel shuttle roller coaster, the TT2 has a maximum height of 377 feet (115m). the first Tower of Terror opened in January 1997 and was then recognized as the tallest and fastest ride in the world.
The start has the riders accelerating down the track at 100 mph in 7 seconds and is launched vertically to ninety degrees. The passengers experience a pull of 4.5 g’s. the ride lasts for 27 seconds.
Steel Dragon 2000
Opened during the “Year of the Dragon” in 2000 at the Nagashima Spa Land Amusement Park in Japan, Steel Dragon 2000 held several records in height in 2003. The maximum height on this ride in the Orient has it at 318 feet. It is also the tallest roller coaster that continues to utilize the traditional chain lift.
Steel Dragon 2000 hits a maximum speed of 95 mph through the tracks. The layout of the tracks is best described as out and back, which is a type of roller coaster that climbs a hill, dashes to the end of the track, makes a one eighty turn and heads back to the starting point. You can make this one last a little longer; the ride duration on the Steel Dragon 2000 is three minutes and seventeen seconds.
Millennium Force
The fourteenth roller coaster built at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, the Millennium Force was the first roller coaster to be built at a height of more than 300 feet. Officially, it is at 310 feet. The track layout is an out and back and uses a cable lift hill to provide both lift and launching the ride.
Millennium Force has four hills for you to navigate, with the first hill being the highest at; you guessed it, 310 feet. It reaches a maximum speed of 93 mph at any one time throughout the ride. Make your 1 minute, thirty second ride count and enjoy those hills, because that’s how fast ride lasts.
Intimidator 305
Another product from Intamin Worldwide, the Intimidator 305 is found on the grounds of Kings Dominion Amusement Park in Virginia. The height of 305 feet is only bested by the drop of 300 feet as you reach speeds of up to 90 mph coming down.
The cable lift hill is the lift/launch system of this roller coaster. The ride lasts more than a minute and a half. It was opened to the public the day after April Fool’s Day of 2010. Construction began in 2009 and the final test run of the 305 was completed on March 14 of 2010.
Thunder Dolphin
Tokyo Dome City Attractions amusement park in Tokyo, Japan provides visitors and roller coaster enthusiasts with the Thunder Dolphin. Ranked as the sixth tallest roller coaster in the world, the Dolphin has a max height of 262 feet. Reaching a maximum speed of eighty miles per hour, the Thunder Dolphin ride lasts a minute and a half.
With 3,500 feet of track, the ride goes through two holes; one through the LaQua building and the next through the world’s first hub less Ferris wheel, the Big O. The Thunder Dolphin is able to accommodate 1660 riders per hour.
Fujiyama
At 259 feet, the Fujiyama had the title of world’s tallest roller coaster in 1996 when it opened. The location of Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is close to Mount Fuji, which is just west of Tokyo. This typical out and back roller coaster adds several elements that have given people a thrill including a first drop that’ll make you scream.
The G force you experience reaches 3.5g’s, with speeds reaching 81 mph. as you take on the Fujiyama, enjoy the nearly one mile and a quarter of track which lasts three minutes and thirty-six seconds. They use chain for the lift and launch system.
Eejanaika
Still on the grounds of Fuji-Q High Land in Japan, Eejanaika is only the second fourth dimension roller coaster in the world. Fourth dimension is a type of roller coaster wherein your feet dangle off the ground with riders on each side of the track and the seats spin along a horizontal axis. The first and other 4th dimension roller coaster is in Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.
Eejanaika, which opened in July 2006, has a maximum height of 249 feet. Eejanaika means “Ain’t it great!” in Japanese. This ride goes as fast as 78 mph, and that includes going through several inversions. The steepest angle on this roller coaster is 90 degrees and is able to give 1000 riders per hour, a ride to remember.
Titan
Located in the Lone Star State in Arlington Texas is a hyper-coaster known as Titan. It is a combination twister and out and back roller coaster. The ride starts by taking the riders to its maximum height of 245 feet; this is followed by a 255 foot drop into a tunnel, through a Carousel, and later enters 540 degree helix, twice.
By definition, a hyper-coaster is a roller coaster that has been built to give the rider a sense of weightlessness or airtime, and speed. Normally a hyper-coaster consists of three main features: hills, little or no inverting component, and has a minimum height of 200 feet. A ride on Titan lasts for three minutes and 30 seconds in which you might reach speeds of up to 85mph.
November 25, 2010 at 2:54 am | 1 comment
49 Mile Scenic Drive
California is known for several tourist destinations and if you are planning a trip to this wonderful state, then dropping by San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive is definitely a must. It features some of the city’s major historical structures and attractions. History shows that it was opened on September 14, 1938 to promote the Golden Gate International Exposition, which was scheduled to open a year after. The drive has a magnificent view of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. Pre-1955, blue and gold triangular signs were used to denote the trek. These days, a blue and white seagull sign will guide you through the drive. The route starts at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Hayes Street.
As mentioned above, along the whole 49-mile stretch sits some of the famous tourist destinations in California. First and foremost is City Hall, which also features the Museum of Modern Art, the Civic Center and the Asian Art Museum.
For those who love water adventure and scenic views by the beach, you can visit the North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Aquatic Park and Baker Beach. Other notable places that visitors frequent would be Chinatown, Japantown, as well as Nob Hill and Russian Hill. If you are inclined towards history, discovery, science and the arts, then you can visit the Palace of Fine Arts, Letterman Digital Arts Center, Battery Chamberlin, the Cannery, the Academy of Sciences, the Marina Green, Crissy Field, the San Francisco Zoo.
If you just do not have ample time to plan your visit to California, a tour along the 49 Mile Scenic Drive will prove sufficient and satisfying.
San Francisco Famous Landmarks
November 25, 2010 at 1:13 am | No comment
Prescott
You would think that with a nickname like “The Cowboy Capital of the World”, the city of Prescott would come straight out of the old Western movies of yore complete with desert landscapes dotted with cactus and scorching summer days. Instead what you have is a thriving city, rich in diverse culture and history, and surrounded by forests filled with ponderosa pines and scenic trails that can be explored any time of the year thanks to the area’s mild temperatures. Prescott City never did wanted to be just like another Arizona town.
Much of Prescott’s history is concentrated in the downtown area. There are over 800 historic buildings to visit in the city, some of them recently restored like the Elks Opera House and currently back in business. Here in Downtown Prescott you will find the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Smoki and Phippen House where many local art collections are displayed. You will likewise find Whiskey Row, famously remembered for being a red light district and favorite hangout of the likes of Wild West icons Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.
Today Whiskey Row is another historical destination of tourists who are given the chance to take part in a more sedate version of the original Whiskey Row notoriety while exploring the area’s historic buildings which have been converted to book stores, restaurants, art galleries, and even boutiques. Aside from the Western-influenced buildings, you can also find restored Victorian homes lining the thoroughfares of Mount Vernon Street.
Aside from the notable cultural and historical offerings, Prescott City has a variety of outdoor recreation and activities for tourists who want to further explore the wild beauty of Prescott. Water enthusiasts are in for a special treat because of the four small lakes in the city which are suitable for fishing, boating, and nature watching.
November 24, 2010 at 9:37 pm | No comment
Golden Vine Winery
You can’t tell if you’re in Disney’s California Adventure or in Napa Valley? Just near the entrance of Disney’s California Adventure is the Golden Vine Winery. It commemorates Northern California’s Napa valley and the industry of wine making in California. So even if it’s not really a winery, the place will take you on a short preview of how wine is made. And if you like wines, then you’re in for a treat. Wine tasting is one of the many attractions here and you can even get to try an assortment of wines at an additional cost. (more…)
November 24, 2010 at 6:24 pm | No comment
Disneyland Park
Any child or any child at heart would know about the ever so famous Disneyland no matter which part of the world it may be or whatever language they may speak, it only spells one word: FUN! One of the greatest and grandest of modern theme parks would has to be Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, which was opened for the public on July 18, 1955, and is one of the most destined places for family fun. (more…)
November 24, 2010 at 6:15 pm | 2 comments
Prospect Park
Brooklyn has some of the most beautiful public parks in New York City. Of course, many would support this claim. While New York is popular for its sky scrapers and shopping malls, some districts and places in this buzzing city are also considered to be gems when it comes to serene and peaceful spots. Public parks in New York are known for their certain level of sophistication and their aesthetic values.
The balance of nature and convenience is so perfect that these public parks have also slowly become tourist attractions in some way. Prospect Park is an exemplary example of this. With its special attractions and the careful preservation by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, this public park has sure shot up in the must-see lists of many NYC visitors.
Prospect Park was created around the 1850s as not only a place of leisure, but also a symbol of commemoration for the American Revolution. Before it became what it is today, it had to undergo a series of reconstructions and renovations through the decades. Its major attractions include a 90 acre Long Meadow, a Villa House which could hold grand banquets and ceremonies, a recreation area with seven baseball fields, a Park Zoo, a boating area that flows to a very beautiful watercourse, and many other recreational spots like Horse Riding ranges, Ice Skating rinks during the winter, and wildlife appreciation camps.
This public park offers a very wide variety of activities for its visitors that it hardly is ever classified as an ordinary park anymore. The richness in natural beauty and the tranquil environment of the park makes it one of the best places for friends to just hang out and for families to bond.
The Prospect Park of Brooklyn is definitely a place to see once you are in New York. With its various offerings, you are sure to experience a memorable visit!
November 24, 2010 at 3:59 pm | No comment